Case Studies

Training– Defence Contractor

Being a major Defence procurement project, BAE Systems was required to adhere to validated Earned Value Management systems and processes including defined Variance Analysis reporting. Both the Department of Defence and BAE recognised the need to improve the Variance Analysis reporting.

Core Consulting Group was engaged by BAE Systems to conduct four courses for Control Account Managers. After some analysis and review it was decided a blend of planning basics, problem resolution and report writing was to be the focus along with a subtle cultural change. Variance Analysis reporting was perceived by many to be primarily a compliance task, the CAMs didn’t appreciate that the report was indicative of problem identification and resolution.

In a class environment, the one day course was presented to four groups, in Adelaide and Sydney, with a blend of Project Controls, CAMs and Program Managers. With a blend of hands on exercises, discussion and “how to” presentations, the participants understood the difficulty in interpreting a poorly completed report and how badly that reflected on themselves and BAE Systems. Feedback from BAE was that after the training, the quality of the VAR reports and the supporting schedules improved dramatically. The training was well received by the participants with positive feedback received.